Esencia before the Senate: proponents claim self-sufficiency without AAA or PREPA

On September 1, 2026, Metro reported that the Senate Committee on Innovation, Reform and Appointments — chaired by Thomas Rivera Schatz — opened the second day of hearings on the Esencia project in Cabo Rojo. Roberto Ruiz Vargas, authorized representative of Cabo Rojo Land Acquisition (CRLA) and Three Rules Capital (TRC), said the development will not connect to the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (AAA) or the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA/AEE), and that such independence is a condition of the approvals.

He filed a 348-page brief (with exhibits). In the first 30 pages, CRLA and TRC claim an “impeccable” permitting record, including the Location Consultation of July 30, 2026, and 100% private financing with no fiscal risk to the Commonwealth.

They assert water self-sufficiency via deep wells, reverse osmosis and seawater desalination as contingency, plus power from a solar microgrid with batteries. They argue that despite verbal opposition from AAA, PREPA and Tourism on August 27, none filed a written objection in the record. They say the plan cuts density by about 76% versus 1996–2009 approvals and preserves 75% of the site as green area. Also summoned that day: DNER, Planning Board, OGPe and Mayor Jorge Morales.

Alleged self-sufficiency ≠ proven before agencies. Location consultation ≠ building permit. Primary: Metro. Cousin: none.

Source: Metro. https://www.metro.pr/noticias/2026/09/01/desarrolladores-de-escencia-defienden-proyecto-ante-el-senado